The Snow Removal Equipment You Need this Winter

When most people think of snow removal jobs, all that comes to mind are plows and trucks. But there is a much wider range of machines and attachments at your disposal, and choosing the right options can make or break your profitability. Below is a guide for the type of equipment that is typically used for different types of snow removal jobs, so you can make the best decision possible for your business and the areas you’re clearing.

The most popular snow removal machines

If you live in a northern, snowy climate, then big plow trucks are a common sight all winter long on roads and highways. But for areas like large parking lots, airports, shipping yards, gas stations, driveways, walkways, side roads, large properties, and similar places, more specialized machines are often required. Below are some of the most effective commercial snow removal equipment for these types of jobs.

Wheel loaders

Wheel loaders are the workhorses and unsung heroes of winter weather. Equipped with powerful engines and large buckets, they excel at clearing and hauling heavy, packed snow quickly. They deliver strong traction in slippery conditions and are easy to maneuver in both open and more confined areas. Wheel loaders can be fitted with plows, pushers, buckets, and more. Wheel loaders are commonly used for areas that include:

• Airports
• Large parking lots
• Distribution centers
• Shipping yards
• Municipal roads

Skid steers

For small or medium sized spaces, skid steers are some of the most versatile and effective snow removal machines. They offer unmatched maneuverability in tight areas and excellent traction on icy surfaces. Skid steers are ideal for detailed clearing around curbs and obstacles where larger machines can’t reach, and they can quickly switch between plows, pushers, brooms, snow blowers, and many other attachments. Skid steers are commonly used for:

• Small to mid-sized parking lots
• Gas stations
• Storefronts and shopping plazas
• Sidewalks, pathways, and pedestrian areas

Compact track loaders

Similar to skid steers, compact track loaders (CTLs) are excellent for commercial snow removal in open and confined areas due to their maneuverability and attachment capability. With tracks instead of wheels, CTLs provide extra traction on uneven or unpaved surfaces, off-road areas, and very icy conditions. They are a good choice for:

• Hilly areas
• Construction sites
• Very wet and heavy snow

Backhoe loaders

Backhoe loaders are less common but highly flexible. Like wheel loaders, they can use buckets, plows, and pushers to clear large areas, while the backhoe provides reach and the ability to break up ice or hard-packed snow with attachments such as rippers. Backhoes are useful for:

• Downtown or urban streets where snow must be physically removed
• Cul-de-sacs and tight residential roads
• Areas with mixed surfaces, like hospitals and campuses

Mini track loaders

Mini track loaders are compact and maneuverable, built for precision snow removal where larger machines can’t access. With narrow frames and excellent traction, they can be equipped with snow blowers, brooms, and small plows. They are ideal for:

• Narrow sidewalks and pathways
• Pedestrian-heavy areas
• Residential complexes

Municipal maintenance vehicles

Municipal maintenance vehicles, such as the MacLean MV6, are engineered to be versatile and handle a wide range of winter tasks: snow blowing, plowing, de-icing, sweeping, and more. The MV6 offers tight turning radius, full-time four-wheel drive, and high-flow hydraulics to power many snow removal attachments. These vehicles are commonly used for:

• Municipal snow removal
• Bus terminals and transit hubs
• Jobsite access roads

We have you covered for snow removal jobs

No matter what kinds of snow removal jobs you’re handling this winter, we can help. We carry a wide variety of machines and attachments, maintain a large parts inventory for all makes and models, and provide emergency winter service so you’re never left stranded if equipment goes down. We also offer financing packages that optimize cash flow for seasonal needs, including plans that only require payments during the winter months.

Contact us for commercial snow removal equipment today!